What is the difference between Fascism and Communism

What are communism and fascism?

As a socio-economic system, communism considers that all property is communal, that is, of the state or of the community. This system emphasizes the importance of a classless society, where there are no differences between the rich and the working classes, between men and women, or between races. Although Marxist communism is the most common form of communism, there is also non-Marxist communism. What is the difference between Fascism and Communism?

On the other hand, and as has been evidenced in the multiple existing definitions of fascism, there are many variations within what sociologists call “fascism”, as such. However, an attempt will be made to give a general description of its implications. Fascism is also an economic and political system, however, it focuses on the nation-state, which is led by a dictator within a rigid social structure. Within fascism, qualities such as exaggerated masculinity, youth, violent attitudes, and militarism are highly appreciated. Likewise, any outside idea that does not commune with the nation-state is highly undesirable, therefore, fascism often rejects conservationism, liberalism, democracy, and communism alike.

Communist philosophy

Communism can be traced back to Thomas More, a prominent English theologian and writer, who wrote about the society based on common property in his 1516 work Utopia. The origin of communism as it is known today is commonly associated with Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, in their work The Communist Manifesto, of 1848. Marx was a critic of the industrial revolution; he was convinced that capitalism abused the working class.

Within their work, Marx and Engels propose a communist system, where the property belongs to the community. This community must be atheistic and classless, to eliminate the differences between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. Marx and Engels argue in their work that achieving this state would eliminate all the problems caused by inequality and exploitation and this would place the human being in a high degree of progress. However, Marx and Engels never describe how to achieve this partnership, leaving a blank for someone else to fill in. What is the difference between Fascism and Communism?

From 1917 to 1924, Vladimir Lenin was the leader of the Communist Party in Russia, establishing the structure and direction that the ideology would have. His vision of a global communist state went beyond Marx’s “workers revolution.” To that end, Lenin sought to influence communism and the direction of its expansion throughout Europe. However, the party faced internal power struggles, leading to the expulsion and exile of key leaders, such as Leon Trotsky. This left the Russian communist regime at the mercy of opportunism until Lenin’s death. Faced with this void, Joseph Stalin entered, who rejected the theoretical in exchange for solidifying power.

The development of communism around the world was influenced since 1930 due to economic problems, especially in post-colonial territories, such as some countries in Asia and Africa, as well as in politically unstable regions such as Central and South America. Although Russia tried to take the lead through its economic and military influence, just as China did in Asia, the lack of real economic success so far has limited the “gains” achieved by communism.

Fascist philosophy

Fascism leans on the glory of the nation-state. Its origins lie in the nationalist movements of the late 19th century. A couple of French men, Charles Maurras and Georges Sorel, wrote about integral nationalism and radical unionism as ways to create a more prosperous and organic society. These writings inspired the Italian Enrico Corradini, who postulated a rational-syndicalist movement led by aristocratic and anti-democratic forces. Combined with the futurism of the early 20th century, a doctrine that forced change, even through violence, fascism began to make its first appearances in Italy at the beginning of the First World War. However, fascism developed in different ways in each country (mainly in Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal,

Despite the different development processes, fascist regimes share several characteristics. Among these, extreme national-militarism, opposition to parliamentary democracy, conservative economic policies that favor those who have the most, contempt for political and cultural liberalism, the belief in the naturalness of social hierarchies and the desire to create a Volksgemeinschaft (“community of the people” in German). In this, the interests of the individual are subordinate to the goodness of the nation. The other two characteristics emerged in practice: the linking of corporate interests to the will of the State and absolute control of the media, with widespread propaganda everywhere. What is the difference between Fascism and Communism?

Social structures and class hierarchies

Communists inspired by the Communist Manifesto believe that hierarchical classes should be abolished by the state taking advantage of control of private property and industry, and thereby abolishing the capitalist class. In the same way, they frequently opposed other social constructs such as rigid gender roles.

Contrary to the communist goal of a classless society, fascism upholds a strict class structure, ensuring that each member of society has a specific and immutable role. Often within fascist societies, women are restricted to the home and the care of children. In addition, certain races or ethnic groups are considered superior, and racial or ethnic unity is promoted over individuality and diversity. An example is Hitler’s fascist regime, which glorified the Aryan race and sought to exterminate Jews, Gypsies, and Poles during World War II. Even groups with marked differences, or even “suspected” only, were also persecuted, such as homosexuals, the disabled and communists.

Political system

Both systems, fascism and communism, are against democratic processes, but in different ways. Fascism disparages parliamentary democracies. Leaders like Hitler and Mussolini participated in electoral politics before coming to power. However, after having it, they abolished political parties, opposed universal suffrage, and became a kind of dictators for life.

In communist countries, democracy appears to be a path to power (the communist majority is elected), but the tendency is a single political party to rule. Although elections continue to take place, the communist party of the country in question remains the only eligible option. Party leaders are often chosen for their age rather than their merits. A central committee within the party debates and basically sets the path the party will follow. Although communism proclaims inclusion, its tendency is rather elitist, and the concentration of power focuses only on one political party. What is the difference between Fascism and Communism?

Economic system

Communism is based on the equal distribution of wealth. The principle of Marxist communism was “from each according to his abilities and to each according to his needs.” Everyone within a society receives an equal share of the benefits that their jobs generate, for example food and money. In order to ensure that everyone receives an equal amount, all means of production must belong to the state.

Fascism, on the other hand, allows the existence of the private sector, however its economic system focuses on the strengthening and glorification of the state. Both fascist Germany and Italy sought self-sufficiency, so that they could survive completely without having to trade like other nations.

Individual guarantees

Both communism and fascism favor society as a whole over individualities. Within communism, religion and private property are abolished, the government controls all work and money. Personal decisions such as profession and education are often dictated by the government. On the other hand, although private property is allowed under fascism, almost all other options are also controlled in order to increase the power of the state.

History of communism and fascism in practice

The first real-life example of Marxist communism took place in 1917, in Russia, when the Bolshevik party took power in the October Revolution. The Russian leaders of that time, such as Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky were considered examples worthy of being imitated in other countries and promoting the growth of communist parties throughout Europe. In reaction to the growing communist threat, fascism appeared in Italy and Germany.

Modern fascism originated in Italy in the 1920s, when Benito Mussolini took power and coined the term “fascism” to describe his way of ruling. The focus was on nationalism rather than inclusion towards a “global communist state“, which many feared, could produce puppets of the Russian communist party. To prevent employees from trying to take control of their jobs, corporations and the main economic engines were taken over by the government (nationalized), merging business with the government and thus creating monopolies. Fascism spread across Europe, including Germany, in 1933 with the Nazis and Portugal in 1934. What is the difference between Fascism and Communism?

Communism spread throughout Europe and Asia, establishing a constant presence in political debates in dominant countries such as England, France, and the United States. In China the rise of the communist party, led by Mao Zedong, was the result of a civil war. China’s fall to communism caused much concern in Europe and the United States, although this concern was put on hold due to the start of World War II.

After the war was over, the Soviet Union was formed, inevitably joining several countries to its communist coalition. China, on the other hand, became active in its Asian sphere of influence, supporting North Korea against the US-backed South Korea in the Korean War. This contributed to North Korea remaining a communist nation. Vietnam was also an unprecedented case, when it went to war against the “defenders of democracy”, the United States. The latter lost the war, which resulted in neighboring Laos and Cambodia establishing communist governments.

In the same way, communism found support in South America, Central America, and Africa. Nonetheless, several of these regimes were overthrown by various US-influenced coups. An exception is Cuba, whose government was ousted by the forces of Fidel Castro in 1959 and declared its loyalty to the Soviet Union. Since then it has remained a communist nation.

Fascism was defeated in World War II, but Spain, under Francisco Franco, continued to be a fascist regime until 1970. Other fascist regimes emerged in South America and Africa, however they did not last long in power.

The spread of communism, while extensive, was probably less successful than it turned out due to the lack of collaboration between the Soviet Union and China. This lack of cooperation was due to each practicing a different “true communist” philosophy. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 and China’s economic depression that lasted for more than 50 years added to the failure of the other communist governments, leading to a large-scale abandonment of communism as a political theory. What is the difference between Fascism and Communism?

Current examples

By 2015, China, Cuba and North Korea were the most prominent of about twelve communist countries (of the more than 210 in the world). However, China has adopted basic capitalist practices and has managed to rank as the fastest growing economy in the world. Cuba, on the other hand, has agreed to normalize its relationship with the United States (including the economic aspect).

No country currently operates under a fascist philosophy, yet neo-fascism (or neo-Nazism) exists in several countries, including the United States.

Famous Communists and Fascists

Among the most notable supporters of communism in the United States are the singers Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Paul Robeson. There are also activists Angela Davis and Bill Ayers, as well as spies Alger Hiss and the Rosenbergs. Many people openly supported communism in the 1920s and 1930s. However, it was the 1950s who saw the rise of Senator Joe McCarthy and the Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC). He carried out hundreds of “investigations” in search of communist sympathizers. Although having communist tendencies is not a crime in the United States, this committee found little evidence of a communist conspiracy. This was enough for some people to suffer irreparable damage to their reputations, such as those on the Hollywood Black List.

Some famous Americans, as well as some American companies, were associated with the European fascist regimes. This was especially the case with the German Nazis, although many withdrew their support for the German party afterwards. Among the best known are Charles Lindbergh, William Randolph Hearst, Henry Ford and Joseph Kennedy, father of John F. and Ted Kennedy. What is the difference between Fascism and Communism?

Communism and fascism within capitalist systems.

Many people consider capitalism, communism and fascism completely separate systems, but they share several elements. Within capitalist systems the presence of the “public domain” works to be shared by all and follows a communist principle. The public education system works in the same way. Employee-owned companies, or cooperatives, follow a communist model by giving workers the same rights and privileges as owners.

Political persuasion is a fascist feature of capitalist systems, especially in the United States. This allows and even encourages business wealth to influence legislation. Thus, corporations can forge alliances with the government and ignore the rights of citizens.